Until the 1980s, South Korea used to be a recipient of humanitarian food aid.<br />It is now a donor to developing nations, after joining the Food Assistance Convention earlier this year.<br />Seoul's first shipment of rice departed from Gunsan Port today.<br />Our Park Hee-jun was there to witness the historic moment.<br /> South Korea has sent its first donation of rice overseas,... since joining the Food Assistance Convention this January.<br /> Following a ceremony led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs,... a ship carrying thousands of tons of locally grown rice left Gunsan Port in Jeollabuk-do Province on Thursday,... to deliver 12-thousand tons of rice to Yemen, and 10-thousand tons to Ethiopia, through the World Food Programme.<br /><br /> "Decades ago, South Korea used to receive humanitarian food aid from international bodies. And now, with the first take-off of rice shipment,... Korea has become the first country that has turned to a food donor... from a country that once received it."<br /><br /> "Today is a historic moment, because it is the first time that Korea is sending food aid to Africa. This is a milestone in the relations between Korea and African countries."<br /><br />The FAC has 16 members, including the United States, the European Union, and Japan-- and in total,... they promised to donate 3-point-2 billion U.S. dollars of food within the year.<br />And South Korea has promised the sixth highest amount,... with food aid worth at least 42-million dollars. <br /><br /> "Joining the FAC will be a stepping stone for local rice exports. It will not only raise the global status of our country,... but also help control the excess supply of rice in the country."<br /><br />The government will send the rest of the promised 50-thousand tons of rice,... to countries in the Middle East and Africa by the year's end.<br /> And depending on the recipient countries' needs and domestic finances,... it may increase the amount of aid in the coming years.<br /><br />Park Hee-jun, Arirang News, Gunsan. <br />
